Ptychadena uzungwensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ptychadena uzungwensis |
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The Ptychadena uzungwensis is a type of frog that belongs to the Ptychadenidae family. It's also known as the Udzungwa ridged frog or Udzungwa grass frog. You can find this frog in parts of Africa, especially on the East African Plateau. It lives in countries like Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. You can also find it further south in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northern Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and the highlands of Mozambique. The name "Udzungwa" comes from the Udzungwa Mountains where it was first discovered.
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What Does the Udzungwa Ridged Frog Look Like?
These frogs are not very big. Male frogs usually grow to about 42 millimeters (1.7 inches) long. Female frogs are a little bigger, reaching about 48 millimeters (1.9 inches) long. This measurement is from their snout (nose) to their vent (bottom).
Skin and Color
The Udzungwa ridged frog has special features on its back. It has broken ridges that run along its body. There are also two clear ridges on its snout. Light-colored skin folds run along each side of its body.
The frog's back is dark brown with darker brown spots. It also has a light stripe running down the middle of its back. The back of its thighs might have faint spots. Sometimes these spots join together to form a horizontal band. Male frogs have yellow throats and yellow patches near their groin area. Their toes have only a little bit of webbing between them.
Where Does the Udzungwa Ridged Frog Live?
The Ptychadena uzungwensis lives in grasslands that are medium to high up. These areas are usually between 800 and 2,300 meters (about 2,600 to 7,500 feet) above sea level. They like to live near water, such as pools, wet spots, and permanent wet areas called sponges. These wet places are also where they likely lay their eggs.
Reproduction and Calls
Male frogs make calls from shallow water to attract females. This is how they find a mate.
Conservation Status
Scientists don't know of any big threats to this frog species right now. It seems to be doing well. This frog lives in several protected areas. One example is the Upemba National Park in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
